More Barriers to Receiving Healing
The third barrier to receiving healing is unconfessed sin. Sin is defined as anything that falls short of God’s perfect standard in conduct or character. We may sin in thought, word, or deed; by what we have done; and by what we have left undone. Sickness and death entered the world through sin (read Genesis 2 – 3). If you look at the curses of disobedience listed in the Old Testament, you will find that they include a variety of illnesses and infirmities. We find throughout Scripture that there is a vital link between healing and forgiveness in Scripture. Psalm 103:3 tells us that it is God who forgives all our iniquities and heals all our diseases. In James 5:16, we are told that they prayer of faith will save the sick, and if he has any sins they will be forgiven. If we read the story in Matthew 9:1-6, we discover that Jesus links healing and forgiveness together. Although our sin has been dealt with at the cross, we often hold on to guilt over our sin. This is a failure to receive God’s forgiveness.
The sure-fire antidote for sin-guilt is found in 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” YOU MUST RECEIVE GOD’S FORGIVENESS BY FAITH! Once you have confessed and obeyed any directions from the Lord, for you to continue living in guilt is to establish yourself as a higher judge than God. Once you have received forgiveness by faith, you are prepared to receive healing by the same faith.
The final barrier to receiving healing is unforgiveness. Read Matthew 6:12-15 and 2 Corinthians 2:7-10. If you can’t forgive another, don’t expect to receive forgiveness yourself. If you are holding on to hurts, wounds, and grudges, you must release them! Failing to forgive others is a rejection of God’s mercy, and you are again setting yourself up as the Supreme Court Judge over God’s just decisions. Let go of bitterness and wrath, so that you may be forgiven and healed!
- Pastor Mack
